New articles published: V. 14 n. 3 (2026)

Small Modular Reactors: Feasibility Analysis for Implementation in Brazil

Abstract: Small modular reactors (SMRs) are at the forefront of new reactor designs worldwide due to their characteristics that meet the current demands from the global energy sector, combining flexibility for application with clean energy production. There are over a hundred SMR projects under development globally, utilizing different technologies. Brazil plans to use SMRs as part of its strategy to strengthen energy security and technological advancement, as foreseen in the National Energy Plan 2050 (PNE 2050). To monitor the development stage of SMR projects around the world, for which information is available in open literature, OECD/NEA created a metric based on six critical aspects influencing the implementation of these projects: licensing, location, financing, supply chain, engagement, and nuclear fuel. This paper presents the results of a bibliographic and documentary review focused on analyzing the possibilities of implementing SMRs in Brazil in order to assess the maturity level of each aspect for the implementation of this technology, adopting OECD/NEA criteria as a reference. The results revealed that, in Brazil, the six aspects evaluated show a certain degree of maturity, but there are important challenges to be faced in order to enable the implementation of SMR technology as part of the solutions to diversify the energy matrix in the coming years. Read full article.